Chronic kidney disease (CKD), also known as
chronic renal disease, is a progressive loss in renal function over a
period of months or years. The symptoms of worsening kidney function are
non-specific, and might include feeling generally unwell and
experiencing a reduced appetite. Often, chronic kidney disease is
diagnosed as a result of screening of people known to be at risk of
kidney problems, such as those with high blood pressure or diabetes and
those with a blood relative with chronic kidney disease. Chronic kidney
disease may also be identified when it leads to one of its recognized
complications, such as cardiovascular disease, anemia or pericarditis.